Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken is a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds with its irresistible blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This comforting meal combines the rich, sweet taste of honey with the kick of black pepper, all wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. It's a perfect balance of flavors that makes every bite both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Ground cayenne pepper
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 ounces Macaroni pasta
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Finish the Chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce.
- Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Set aside.
Make the Macaroni Cheese:
- Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Plate the creamy macaroni cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Thicken Sauce: If the honey pepper sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer it a bit longer until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional black pepper for a touch of color and extra flavor.